Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Trader Joe’s – Grand Reserve Pinot Noir 2023
Carneros AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An entry-level Pinot Noir from Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve series, designed to be approachable and wallet-friendly, yet sourced from Carneros, a region with a strong pedigree for Pinot Noir thanks to its cool climate influenced by the San Pablo Bay.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherry, cranberry, and a touch of strawberry compote. Subtle notes of baking spice and a faint hint of cola.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, soft tannins, and moderate acidity. Smooth and approachable, leaning more toward fruit-forward than earthy complexity.

Food Pairings
Roast chicken with herbs, Margherita pizza, Mushroom risotto, Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

Verdict
A casual, weeknight Pinot Noir that shows off the Carneros fruit in an uncomplicated way. Don’t expect Burgundian elegance or layered depth, instead, it’s a friendly, fruit-driven Pinot that hits the right notes for its price. Cheers! — 4 days ago

Daniel H.

9.2

Very, very good for $4.99 at TJ’s! Apples and pears on the nose. Crisp, clean well rounded palette with a fairly long fruity finish. This unoaked Chardonnay was quite the nice surprise! — a year ago

Ross Young

8.9

Very good cab — 5 years ago

Dawn E.

9.1

I think I found a gem at Trader Joe's! Reference other 2024 reviews, delicious, very much so for the price point! Quick stop on trip back from Mason City! Peeps, I am finally a Grandma! — a month ago

Ashley B

9.5

Yes. Velvety, immediately tastes like it has already been open for an hour, but can still get even better. No bite or sharpness. Chocolate-y and sippable. Worth it for under $20 — 7 months ago

Jessica Stewart

10

Please keep this on your house! Smells like strawberries and lemonade and taste crisp and light like strawberry, cherry, lemons. — 5 years ago

with Rory

Mark Osmers

9.1

Don’t brush off Merlot‘s. Especially if those Merlot’s are from Yountville, in Napa Valley. The climate in Yountville is particularly well-suited for grape growing. It sits in a sweet spot where it receives warm, sunny days perfect for ripening grapes, while cool evening breezes and fog from San Pablo Bay help too.
Let this wine open up and breathe for 2+ hours and you’ll be delighted with a similar complexity to a Cabernet, with Oakey notes and bright raspberry and plum flavors

An excellent choice from the same area as Stag Leap vineyards

Try it and tell me what you think — happy drinking! — 2 months ago

President Obama

9.0

Balanced and flavorful. Good deal. — 5 months ago

Eric Peterson

9.5

Forest floor, sour cherry and fennel on the nose. Dark fruit, light spice and black tea. Smoky oak finish — 4 years ago

Tara Miller

9.5

Delicious! — 5 years ago